Bill, a day doesn't go by when I don't think of you.  You literally shaped whom I am today.   You were my mentor and best friend, and I learned everything I know about art from you.  

We were best friends for decades, ranging from the 70's when we first met to our last time together which apparently was just a few months before you passed away.  (It was later when I learned of your passing, and it broke my heart.)

I will always cherish our times together as we would meet every 6 months or so - just sitting on the floor of your studio apartment at Foggy Bottom listening to our favorite music, eating pizza, drinking wine and talking for hours about art and philosophy.  

Bill, you were my rock, and I will always value our love, friendship, and your mentorship.  I will never forget you.

Joan

So sorry for the family's loss. I think Billy and I attended 6th grade together in Mr McDonald's class at West Hills Elementary School. Our birthdays are a day apart and we spent a lot of time in the hall for cracking jokes in class. There were bets taken on who would wear out their shoes first.
He will live on in our hearts forever
                                                            Spencer Hertzel 

I met Bill in 1973-74 when he rented an apartment from me near DuPont Circle. Then he joined our Alexandria theatre group and painted sets. Mostly Bill and I became and stayed friends for life. And as we all know, true friends can go for years and not see each other, even when you live close by. Bill followed me to my next building, 925th St, NW IN 1978 and our friendship grew even more. I would come to his apt and just sit and talk for hours while he painted till 2 AM. So many nights and memories we shared. The last time I him was at his first Watergate showing and had the chance to see his new work. Bill drew a very special piece of work of the view from the roof of my building on Penn. Ave of the whole block of restaurants and clubs. It was his gift to me since I was moving to Baltimore to manage a new condo. He and I both loved DC and the architecture since I worked in construction of high rise buildings. A few more years passed, I returned to DC but and kept in touch with Bill over the past 30+ additional years. Bill's first job was selling shoes at Guccini's and he hated it so much so he took a low level job at The Smithsonian selling headphones to tourist.That led him on a long, wonderful path in the Arts and The Smithsonian. Last year I called Bill and he told me he was now retired and painting all the time, and as we all do with old friends, I said I'll give you a call and set up time to get together. Today I was about to call him, only to see that he passed away. My heart is heavy with sadness at the loss but happy with memories  (some cannot be shared) but I am smiling and knowing time apart did not lessen my love and admiration for one of the nicest men I ever me and I send my thoughts into the stars because I know his is shining  brightly over Foggy Bottom. Thank you for letting me be your friend all these years and it you see David, give him my love.

I was very sad to learn that Bill has died.  I remember him well from my days at the Freer/Sackler.  He was forthright yet kind, and could always be counted on for a smile and a thoughtful word. A thoroughly fine man.

I am sorry for his family's loss.

Bill was already at the Smithsonian's Office of Visitor Services (formerly VIARC) when I joined the staff. Although we did not interact daily as our offices were in different areas of the Castle, on those occasions when we did meet, Bill always had a quick smile and hello. His witty remarks made me smile and chuckle, whether in person or in his articles for the volunteer newsletter, InfoSpecial. He was also a very talented artist. I will miss him and send my deepest condolences to his family.

I'm so sad to hear about Bill's passing. As a volunteer at the Smithsonian for many years (and still there) I had the good fortune of learning from and working with Bill since the first day of my first volunteer training class. He was always helpful,knowledgeable, kind, charming, and I enjoyed his great sense of humor. I also admire his talent as an artist. My deepest sympathy to his family,friends,and colleagues.

Dear Family of Bill D-Italia:

I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved family member, Bill.  I started at Smithsonian volunteering in January 1989-present day.  For many years (until he retired), Bill was my VIARC supervisor.  He was a very nice, friendly, kindly man with always something nice and encouraging to say and the loveliest smile you would want to see that morning (or hear that smile in his voice over the phone!).  My Most Sincere Condolences to you for your great loss of this wonderful man, Agnes Yackshaw

I had the pleasure of working with Bill while I was in the Education Department at the Freer/Sackler. He was unfailingly kind and thoughtful, funny and intelligent. It was always a great day when I had a chance to speak to Bill and enjoy his warmth and wit. He was one of the most authentically caring people I've ever had the good fortune to meet. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing--my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.

As a Freer/Sackler volunteer, I woked with Bill for many years.. He was one of the warmest, kindest people who continued to set the gold standard for self-education, hard work, and gentle insight. He leaves a huge vacuum.He was, and will be sorely missed.  Susan Grigsby

It is with profound sadness I write this. Bill D'Italia was a very fine human being and a talented artist. At the Smithsonian his efficiency in what he did was still missed. I can't believe he is no more. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

It was an honor and a pleasure to work with Bill as a colleague for many years at the Freer|Sackler Galleries.  He was one of the warmest, kindest people I've known, and he was always genuinely interested in spending time with people to get to know them better.  Bill will be missed by many people whose lives he touched through his work, his art, his knowledge (of such a variety of topics), his wonderful sense of humor, and his beautiful personality!  My deepest condolences to his family, who are in my thoughts and prayers.

To Bill, my beloved teacher and friend. I have so many stories to share with you after my three month business trip worldwide. I will keep them for the future. Dear Bill families, thank you so much for bring us such a wonderful person.

I had the privilege of working with Bill way back at the NGA. What a gentle spirit and wonderful person, I was incredibly saddened and shocked to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences to all in his family.

Bill's buoyant spirit and thoughtful observations made him not only a wonderful colleague to us at the Koshland Science Museum, but also an admirable human being to know. 
I miss him and send condolences to his family and other friends.

Bill D'Italia was such a class act--kind, talented, hard working, smart, educated, cultured, upbeat, and always a gentleman.  I feel blessed to have known him even a little, and hope his friends and family will find solace in fond memories and the indelible imprint he made on so many.

It was with great sadness that I read the news of Bill's sudden passing.  I met him at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art when I came in 2008. He was always friendly and professional and a wonderful colleague. Bill donated paintings to many charitable causes, and I bought one of the Anacostia River Bridge at a silent auction.  I hangs in my dining room and I will always remember him and his wonderful and many talents.

My sincere sympathies to all Bill's family and friends.  He was a completely lovely and kind colleague and I've missed Bill since he stopped working here at the Smithsonian. In one of my first years at the Freer|Sackler, he explained the  different personalities of the Quad museums - it was witty  and also brilliantly insightful, my first great lesson on how the institution functioned.

I was very sad to learn of Bill's passing today. I always enjoyed seeing him at the Smithsonian while volunteering and hearing about his latest exhibition of his art. He will be greatly missed by many people. God Bless you Bill.

It is so sad to hear the news.  As a volunteer in Smithsonian, it is always educational when I work with Bill.  He is always kind and friendly and he cares about each one of us individually.  Bill will always stay in my mind.

Jonathan Chen

I have worked at the Smithsonian for the past 18 years.  Most of the time was at American History except for the time the museum was closed for renovation I worked at the American Indian Museum but came right back to American History the day they reopened in 20008.  Since that time we have lost so many fine people such as Bill.  He and the others are greatly missed.  

Bill's paintings are magnificent.  I enjoyed seeing them on the computer but I would love to see them in person.  The narrative was so interesting.  Washington, D.C. has changed so much and it is hard to remember what was where.  I don;t remember where the Old Ebbit Grill was originally located but I visited there once and enjoyed it more than the new one.  It was so much more authentic.  Thank you for sharing the work and life of Bill D'Italia.

Jane E. Shafritz
Information Specialist at the Welcome Center Desk.
American History

Bill was so kind and helpful to me as a volunteer at the Smithsonian.  He was so concerned about us and whether our needs were met.  Bill was so warm and friendly.  I always enjoyed his company and looked forward to seeing him when I was at the museum.

Bill was a great good friend and I will miss him greatly. From the Smithsonian and many years after.

 Working with Bill at the Smithsonian Freer/Sackler Museums was an education for all the desk volunteers.  He not only knew all the answers to questions, but he patiently showed us how to find them.  He was constantly carrying supplies, so we were never out of brochures to give our patrons.  We sorely missed him when he suddenly left us at the Smithsonian.  

I was able to see him at the Koshland Museum last year when my relatives from New Hampshire chose to visit.  He looked so happy and cheerful as I will always remember him.

I am so saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I worked with Bill at the Smithsonian  and found him charming, funny and a delight to work with. My deepest sympathies to the family. I will keep you all in my prayers
Teri Brzenski (Arlington,VA)

Bill will be greatly missed. I've been a volunteer at the Koshland Science Museum for almost three years and have enjoyed getting to know Bill. He had a wonderful inquisitive nature, sense of humor, and was very kind to museum volunteers and guests. My condolences to his family and friends.

So sad to lose Bill, a good friend whom I was just getting to know better. Working as a volunteer at the Koshland Science Museum for the past year under Bill's kind tutelage, I must say that he was the face of the museum to its many Friday and weekend visitors, and to most of us volunteers. Under his watch this past year visitors to the museum practically doubled. I had been looking forward to seeing his art exhibition in October - I hope it still happens anyway.

I had the pleasure of getting to know Bill during my time volunteering at the Koshland Science Museum over the past five year. For me, the museum will not quite be the same without him. Bill's kind and welcoming presence will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. I will personally miss his stories and our discussion about art and travel. My sincere condolences go out to his family and friends.

Bill was a wonderful mentor who enriched the lives of all those privileged enough to meet him; he always had a kind word, a ready ear, and an open heart for everyone. Bill brightened the lives and minds of countless individuals at the Koshland Museum, and taught us to do the same as volunteers. I hope that by carrying on his teachings and values at the museum, we can do justice and honor to his memories. My condolences to all who knew him.

Bill provided a steady sense of warmth, positivity, and humor at the Koshland Science Museum. For all the joy he has brought to his colleagues as well as numerous museum visitors, Bill will be greatly missed.

Bill will always be remembered as a beloved colleague, a talented artist,
An astute art historian and a kind human being. I've worked with Bill over the past 15 years and he has enriched my life and the lives of all those around him. He will be missed.
My love and prayers for his family and friend, Ann Sarkes, Washington DC.. Volunteer at Koshland and Smithsonian.

I had the pleasure of volunteering at the Koshland Museum under Bill's stewardship.  He was such a kind soul, adding a much needed human touch to our scientific and educational programming.  He also produced beautiful artwork, as evidenced by his recent show at the Watergate Gallery.  He will be missed dearly and remembered fondly.  My condolences to his family and friends.

It has been a pleasure to get to know Bill over the past four years and it was terribly sad to lose him so unexpectedly. I will personally miss his anecdotes at our monthly staff meetings and his hilarious late night emails. I hope that all will find comfort in their fond personal memories of him.

Bill worked for the Koshland Science Museum of the National Academy of Sciences for six years.  In that time, he became a valued and trusted member of the museum team and coordinator of the volunteer program.  We will miss his sense of humor, stories about our visitors, and wisdom about many things. He brought his creative insight as an artist to the understanding of science. We miss him very much.

Losing our Brother Bill is a devastating and great loss.  Our hearts are broken.  At times life truly can be unfair.    
May his spirit and legacy live on through his great artwork.  All of the wonderful oil canvas paintings he has shared with all of us through the years we will never forget.  He will live in our hearts forever.  We cherish his work and are quite saddened by this sudden and unexpected situation.  We love you Brother Bill (& Uncle Bill).  Rest in peace. All our love, Anne Marie Jeff & Christopher

OBITUARIO

William P D'Italia

16 febrero, 1951 – 26 agosto, 2015

Claude R. Boyd - Caratozzolo Funeral Home

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